I hope Preselzee's doing ok. She can be tough, but she can also be very reckless. Well, Nina, Logan, and the Dreamers usually keeps her grounded, but I will worry about her. I nearly crashed into my locker if I didn't notice my reflection against the blue metal. So far, I was preparing for college.

"Do you miss her?" Dilan asked as he appeared behind me.

I nearly jumped back. He is always very intimidating to me at times.

"A little. She'll be fine though. She always is" I answered him as I recalled the tournament we had.

Dilan simply nodded as he stepped aside from my locker. I took out my books as I walked away from him. He continued to follow me calmly through the school. You know, I never actually got to know him.

"Uh, so what do you do?" I asked him as we went to the lunch room.

"I guard my master's castle and take care of the castle. I do aid those keyblade wielders" he answered me strongly.

"Where is this?" I asked him.

I wasn't able to ever visit Radiant Garden, because of the Xehanort nightmares along with the Master of Masters roaming around.

"Radiant Garden. Why don't I take you there? You haven't been there" Dilan suggested.

I nearly dropped my books. I was really going to go to Radiant Garden?! Wow!

"Uh, sure!" I said trying to collect myself.

"Let's go" he stated as he walked towards the doors.

Wait, we can just go to Radiant Garden? Why haven't we done this before? Dilan held his lance and cut through the doors! I thought he destroyed the doors, but the doors changed colors. Dilan walked to the doors and opened it. I was very surprised to see a new world before me!

"Come on" Dilan stated as he walked to the world.

I quickly followed behind him. I was looking around and saw the amazing palace before me. This is the place he guards?! I walked up the red steps and went to the palace.

"Ah, Dilan. Why did you bring the kid here?" a giant man with an axe asked in a gruff voice.

"Aeleus, he is a very honorable man. He has a great respect for Ventus's Dreamer and is talented" Dilan answered as he presented me to his friend, "Where is yours?"

"Who? Joe? She has soccer practice. She wanted to prepare for her game. Check on Even and Ienzo. I think they were working on something in the research areas of the castle" Aeleus answered.

Has Joe been here before? I wonder if she and I will team up again. Dilan walked to the castle as I followed behind him. The two of us were walking through the tan hallways and found ourselves in an office. Oh, this is Ansem the Wise.

"Hello Dilan. Ah, Keenan. It is nice to see you again. Thank you for your help with keeping Ienzo safe along with my palace" Ansem greeted with a smile.

"It was nothing. I was grateful to help" I answered him with a bow.

"Ienzo and Even are in the labs. They do request some help" Ansem said as Dilan walked to the lab.

I ran after Dilan and saw Ienzo typing something on the computer while Even was taking notes on an empty body.

"You needed help?" Dilan asked as I examined their works.

"Yes. Ah. Nice to see you again, Keenan. Thank you for your help. My child wasn't able to come to my aid at the time" Ienzo said as he snapped his fingers.

Wait, Ienzo guards someone? I wonder if I know him or her.

"Right now, we trying to perfect the replica program. We want to see how far we can go with this" Even said as he finished writing something.

"Wouldn't that be dangerous? What if someone steals this information?" I asked him.

"I would like for you to name someone who wants to steal my research. After the Dreamers and Wielders defeated the source of the nightmares, the worlds have been in peace. Nothing dangerous is coming to our world any time soon" Even stated.

Why did Even state his world? What about mine? Is he up to something? Or does he know something...

"So, what are you lacking for the replica program?" Dilan asked.

"A heart and will" Ienzo said as he lifted one of his books in the air and typed up something on the computer.

"Where would we even get that? From Sora? No. He deserves a rest after all he's done for us. Not to mention how much his friends missed him" Dilan stated seriously.

I didn't expect that from Dilan, but I suppose it makes sense. Sora helped everyone in many worlds. I guess everyone got closer to each other after that fight. I smiled at them warmly. I don't think they will need my help for this, so I left the lab and walked back to Ansem the Wise's desk.

"Oh, did they need not any help?" he asked surprised when he saw me.

"No, sir. I figured Even would need Dilan's help more than mine right now. I was just going to sit this one out" I explained to him.

"Well, if you don't feel comfortable with helping my students you can explore my world and assure me that there are no heartless running around" Ansem suggested.

I nodded my head and departed from his castle. Dilan was nearby so if anything happens to me, I am sure he'll come in and help me. Well, and another friend I know. Though I don't know if he's busy or not. As I walked to the town square, I saw Leon talking to his friends about restoring the rest of the Radiant Garden back.

"Then, let's open up more business for other people. After the connection has been restored to our worlds, it is time we get business going here again" Leon ordered.

"You got it boss!" Yuffie shouted excitedly.

She gasped when she saw me walking into the square. She squealed and ran towards me.

"Keenan! Is Alia with you?! I miss her! How is she?!" she asked me as she grabs my shoulders.

"She's doing well. She's becoming a great singer" I told her with a smile.

"Keenan's here? I didn't expect that" Ventus said as he walked towards me!

Oh, wow. I didn't expect him to be here with a pet cat on his head? I don't recall seeing his pet before.

"I didn't expect you to be here either, Ven. What brings you to Radiant Garden?" I asked him as I made Yuffie step away from me.

"Chirithy and I were going to help out a bit here. We wanted to help find homes for the rest of my friends, the Dandelions. Is Preselzee not with you?" he asked me surprised.

"Why would she be with me?" I asked curiously.

Ven took a few steps back as he said "Oh! No reason!"

He then took a sheet of paper and ran the other way. That was weird.

"Well, when you see our kids, tell them we miss them!" Yuffie exclaimed as she tapped my shoulder.

"What are you doing here, Keenan?" Leon asked as he approached me.

"Ansem the Wise wanted me to check out the areas for the heartless" I answered.

"Without your guardian? Oh, right. You're the Descendant of Capricorn. You should be able to handle it. Well, you check the crystal fissures if you want. I don't have anyone exploring that area today" Leon said as he patted my shoulder.

"Ok, thank you" I said as I left for the crystals.

I was still amazed to see blue and purple crystals rising from the ground. I wonder if they mine these crystals. I wouldn't be surprised. As I examined each crystal, I walked further and further away from the castle. There were no heartless here, so I decided to turn back.

"Really? That's it? No further explanations? No further research? You're simply done?" someone asked me.

I looked around and didn't see anyone.

"I am just doing what I was assigned to do. I don't see any heartless here" I answered calmly.

This voice did sound very familiar to me, but its' not possible. Unless, he is afraid... Why would he be afraid though? That doesn't make sense. Maybe some people in our world are still afraid of him. That could be it.

"I would suggest you double check your work. You need to look more closely at the situation" Vexen said as he appeared from the dark corridor.

"I did though. Something doesn't make sense. I thought my friends were able to help you" I said as I decided to remain calm.

"To a degree. Yet someone is very afraid of me. I don't see why not though. I was able to help create Xion and the Riku replica" Vexen stated as he turned away from me.

I knew that. Sort of. Ok, why did the Dreamers think this world would be the best for me? This place doesn't make any sense to me.

"So, why mess with me? I haven't gotten involved in anything with your replicas. All I have done was help my friends and protect them from the Nightmares of the True Organization as well as those Foretellers" I asked him seriously.

He must be a nightmare... I saw a few rocks on the ground. I have to warn everyone about this. I took a rock and prepared to hit it on my knee, but ice covered my hands! It's so cold! I looked up and saw Vexen holding his shield as he faced me.

"Really? I've seen that trick before. I'm afraid you won't be calling for help now" Vexen stated as he approached me.

"Except I just did" I smirked as sat down.

Dilan would feel how cold his hands are and maybe Capricorn too. They'll come for me. Vexen growled in annoyance at what I had done, but I was pretty pleased. He grabs my hood and pulled me away from the crystal fissures.

"Then I'll have to prepare for that!" Vexen shouted as he threw me towards the edge of the rocky path!

I was so close to falling, but Vexen cast ice on my feet and froze me to the ground. I was barely hanging on the ground and saw the bottom of the ground. Well, that a pretty long drop.

"Let's see what else they will do to save you! I will get my research back and continue my program. I won't be stopped by you or friends" Vexen stated as he left in a dark corridor.

Well, this isn't the first time I've been in tough spots. Being in a forest surrounded by bunkers on the golf course, that's rough. I can't summon my wand nor my iron to break out of this ice. I hope Dilan comes here soon... I looked up and saw Ven with his Chirithy! Why are they here?

"Ven!" I shouted loudly.

I don't know if he can hear me, but I hope he can. I don't know how else to get help. Ven heard someone and looked around. His Chirithy was also looking around. Chirithy pointed at me and stopped Ven from charging towards me. The two of them talked about something and left. I hope they know what to do. Well, I can't wait around for long. Maybe I can get out of this ice by myself. I tried to wiggle a bit, but that just made things worse for me. I cracked the ice and leaned back more! Ok, this wasn't the right idea!

"Hey! Are you ok?" Chirithy asked as he walked towards me?!

He can't be here without Ven! They could both perish easily! I think. I haven't really researched anything about Ven's past.

"Chirithy! Why are you here?" I asked me with worry.

"I saw you like this! I wasn't going to leave you! Don't worry, I'll free you" Chirithy said as he hopped over to me.

"Chirithy, I don't think you can help me" I said weakly.

"Don't worry! I can!" he reassured as he sat in front of me.

I nodded my head at him. A dark corridor opened before us as Chirithy stopped up. He dusted himself off.

"Hello there, good sir. I am Chirithy" he introduced as he extended his paw.

"Vexen. Now, what are you?" he asked as he stepped out and shook his paw.

"I want my friend here back. His friends are very worried about him" Chirithy reassured.

"I am sorry, but he will remain with me until I receive my research" Vexen answered.

"Well, I'm sorry about this then. NOW!" he shouted as he ran towards me.

I saw a large shuriken fly towards Vexen! Vexen quickly summoned his shield and blocked the attack, but the force of the shuriken pushed Chirithy and I over the edge!

"Leave him alone!" Yuffie shouted as she landed in front of Vexen with Leon behind her.

"Well, you doomed him! He'll be falling to his death!" Vexen retorted as he smiled at her.

"Guess again" Leon said with a smirk.

I thought I was falling to my death, but the ice broke, and someone caught me! Chirithy laughed as I opened my eyes. I was in Ven's arms as he stirred his glider away from the fight.

"Are you ok?" he asked me.

"I'm fine. Thanks man" I said in relief.

Ven landed the glider and made his armor disappeared. He placed me on the ground gently, and I bolted towards the castle.

"Wait! Keenan!" Ven shouted as he chased after me.

I ran past Ansem the Wise and entered the lab. Everyone was still working on the replicas as I ran to Even.

"Keenan! What is the meaning of this?" Dilan asked angrily.

"Even, are you afraid of your past?!" I asked him.

Even stopped his tasks and looked at me surprised.

"Afraid? I have guilt, but that's it. What brought this question?" Even asked as he placed his clipboard down.

"I was attacked by your nobody. Yuffie and Leon are fighting him now. Ven and his Chirithy saved me. Are you afraid of your past?" I asked again.

Everyone was quiet and waited to see what would happen.

"Yes. I can't forgive myself for what I had to Sora, Namine, Roxas, Xion, and the Riku Replica. I thought I could atone for my crimes with helping Sora, his friends, and the Dreamers. The guilt and fear never left though. It just stays with me" Even answered sadly.

"But Even! We each had a part in Castle Oblivion!" Ienzo pointed out.

"That's not it, Ienzo. I started those projects. I continued those experiments. I can't help but feel responsible with this" Even answered Ienzo sadly.

Dilan stepped towards Even as he said "I have guilt too. I hurt the Beast and Bell. I didn't hesitate to kill Sora when I encountered him. Yet, when he heard about us helping him save the worlds, he was pleased. I cannot forget what I had done to others, but I can make up for it and help others. Now, let's do this together"

I agreed with what my guardian said as I faced Even.

"Let's do this together. We are here for you" I backed up.

"Alright, then help me reclaim what I lost" Even said as he summoned his shield.

Dilan and I followed Even to the crystal fissures. We left to protect the lab until we returned. Yuffie was getting tired while Leon covered for her. Vexen was still powerful. He slammed his shield on the ground and created a powerful snowy blast! Leon stood in front of Yuffie and prepared to block the attack, but a powerful wind gust blew towards the icy wind.

"Alright! The cavalier arrived!" Yuffie cheered when she saw us coming.

"Leon! Take Yuffie back to the castle. We'll handle this" I told him as I summoned my golf club.

"Got it. Thanks" Leon said as he helped Yuffie up.

Even faced his nobody and held his shield close to him. I stood in front of him as Dilan held his lance.

"You have to tire him out. Once you do, I'll handle the rest" Even said.

"Got it!" I shouted as slammed my club on the ground, "Capricorn!"

Vexen created a shadow Sora, and it lunged at me. Dilan threw two of his lances in front of me as Capricorn fell from the sky! The lances protected me from shadow Sora as Capricorn landed behind me.

"What can I do to help, my boy?" Capricorn asked with a smile as he bowed to me.

"Knock some sense into him! Dilan! Throw a lance in the air!" I shouted as I ran towards him.

Dilan tossed a lance into the air as he used another one to block shadow Sora's attacks. I jumped into the air and took the lance. I slammed the lance and iron on the shadow Sora as Capricorn ran past us. The shadow Sora vanished in darkness. After hearing a few punches, Capricorn joined us.

"How does that look?" he asked as I held in my laughter.

He gave Vexen a black eye!

"THAT'S IT! GIVE ME THE RESEARCH!" he shouted as a powerful blizzard storm!

"Capricorn! Go back!" I shouted urgently.

I don't want him hurt, so he disappeared in a blue smoke. Dilan and I were frozen in place as Vexen walked towards us. I was getting colder.

"Enough!" Even shouted as he stood in front of Dilan and me, "You and I were both consumed with this silly pursuit of knowledge that we hurt many people without knowing this"

Even began to walk towards his nobody and smiled at him.

"Well, this is my fault. I was the one who wouldn't stop when I was told to long ago. Now, you are just consumed with this pursuit of knowledge. If I am going to learn from my errors, then I will accept what I have done and move on" Even stated as he grabs Vexen's hands.

Vexen was absorbed back into Even. I was grateful for this. Even placed his hands on the ice and made the ice and blizzard vanish. He turned towards as we stood up from the ground.

"How do you feel, Even?" Dilan asked calmly.

"Guilty yet pleased" he answered my guardian.

We went back to the castle and saw everyone from Radiant Garden at the castle. Everyone was relieved about Even being ok. I stepped outside and looked at the sky. I better get home soon. Dilan joined me outside.

"You did good. You were able to handle yourself well out there and help Even realize what he had to do" Dilan said with a smile.

"I just did what I had to do. I helped a friend. You were able to convince him what to do" I said happily, "I still have a lot to learn. I hope I'll be able to learn more and more about the world"

"I can help you with that. For now, why don't we just relax and enjoy this night" Dilan said as he motioned to the .

I nodded as we walked back to the castle. Dilan placed his hand on my shoulder as we enjoyed Sea Salt Ice Cream with everyone.